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Using A Fake ID Could Result In Jail Time

By Amy E. Feldman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Everyone knows using a fake ID is illegal. But really, what are the penalties?

A Long Island teenager came up with the perfect plan to get into a bar. He used a fake New York Police Department ID. Let's pause and imagine the workings of that teenage brain: all I have to do is grow out this thick, luxurious mustache and no one will guess I'm not 21. If only I could hide these braces. Genius.

Getting a fake ID is kind of a rite of passage - but let's take a minute to talk about the penalties of getting caught.

In most states, using a fake ID or taking someone else's real one is a misdemeanor, but in some states it's actually a felony. The penalties vary by state but in most, you can get 90 days in jail, up to a $1000 fine (although the fine and the penalties go up if you've actually altered your state-issued drivers license).

If jail doesn't scare you, you can also lose your license whether or not you were driving that night, and you get a criminal record which is hard to explain on a college and job application.

And, don't think bars are your friend. They're obligated to confiscate the fake ID and call police or they risk losing their liquor license, which they'll be unlikely to do for a punk like you, no matter how sweet your mustache.

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